Astilbe
Astilbe
Also called false spirea
Astilbe blooms from June through July.
Mature size, hardiness zones, sun and the trait tags were checked against named botanical sources for this plant. The bloom months and water need on this page were not.
Growing Astilbe
Plant it in part shade. It prefers high water. It is hardy in USDA zones 3–8. Expect it to reach about 2 ft tall and 1.6 ft wide at maturity, in roughly 2 years.
When to plant Astilbe
Plant Astilbe in early spring as soon as the soil is workable, or in early fall at least six weeks before your first frost, so roots establish in cool weather. For the middle of its hardy zones 3 to 8 range, spring means April to June and fall means August or September. Once settled, it blooms from June to July.
Month-by-month timing for your zone is on the planting calendar: for the middle of its range, start with zone 5 in April.
Comes in 11 varieties across 4 colors
Same plant, same care - pick the color you are growing.
Good to know about Astilbe
Curated from university extensions, botanic gardens and other primary sources, with the source named on every note.
Worth knowing
Deadheading brings no rebloom, so leave the dried plumes standing: they stay ornamental through fall and winter, and cut fresh or dried for arrangements. per NC State and Missouri Botanical
How much sun versus shade
In the cool North it takes more sun if the soil stays moist; in the hot South give it afternoon or fuller shade. Moisture, not sun, decides. per NC State and Clemson
Is it drought tolerant?
Standard astilbes are not drought tolerant and scorch in dry soil. Chinese astilbe (A. chinensis) takes more sun and drought and blooms later: pick it for a drier site. per NC State and Missouri Botanical
Tobacco rattle virus host
Astilbe can host tobacco rattle virus, which mottles the leaves with yellow ring or line patterns. There is no cure: remove and destroy infected plants. per Wisconsin
Deer and rabbit resistant
Deer and rabbits usually leave astilbe alone, and it also tolerates black walnut, heavy shade and wet soil. Very hungry animals may still nibble it. per NC State
Draws butterflies and bees
A useful nectar source for a shady bed: it attracts butterflies and bees and is tagged for butterfly and pollinator gardens. per NC State
Generally pest and disease free
Usually trouble-free with no serious pests or diseases. Minor issues (powdery mildew, tarnished plant bug, Japanese beetle, leaf spot) can appear but rarely kill the plant. per NC State and Clemson
What pairs well with Astilbe
Good companions share its growing conditions and add something it lacks: an earlier or later bloom, a lower carpet in front, or structure through winter.
Azalea
Shares part shade and moderate to high water; blooms in mid spring, before this one opens; evergreen, so the bed keeps its shape through winter; taller at 3.9 ft, for the layer behind it.
Bergenia
Takes part sun to part shade and moderate to high water; blooms in mid spring, before this one opens; evergreen, so the bed keeps its shape through winter; echoes the pink.
Northern Sea Oats
Shares part shade and moderate to high water; overlaps, then carries the display into early fall; its seed heads stand through winter, for structure and the birds; taller at 3.3 ft, for the layer behind it.
Turtlehead
Takes part sun to part shade and high water; blooms in late summer as this one finishes; echoes the pink.
Hellebore
Shares part shade and moderate to high water; blooms in late winter, before this one opens; evergreen, so the bed keeps its shape through winter; echoes the pink.
Flowering Dogwood
Shares part shade and moderate to high water; blooms in mid spring, before this one opens; its white flowers settle the pink.
Camellia
Shares part shade and moderate to high water; blooms in midwinter, before this one opens; evergreen, so the bed keeps its shape through winter; taller at 6.6 ft, for the layer behind it; they only overlap in zones 7 to 8.
Summersweet
Shares part shade and high water; overlaps, then carries the display into late summer; taller at 5.9 ft, for the layer behind it; a soft color beside the pink.
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